James E. Spencer

James E. Spencer, 81, of South Bend, passed away at home on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Jim was born December 19, 1940 in Mishawaka to the late Fitch and Thrasilla (Klein) Spencer. He grew up in Mishawaka and was graduate of St. Joseph Grade School in Mishawaka and St. Joseph High School in South Bend. In high school he excelled in sports, especially football. He played football for Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming where he earned an Associate’s Degree.

On January 26, 1963, Jim married Judy May Carrier in Wyoming. Following marriage, they settled in Jim’s hometown of Mishawaka. Judy preceded him in death in 1991. On July 4, 1994, he married Marylee (Hamilton) Hartzer and the couple made their home in South Bend.

Jim was employed for 32 years as an adjustor with Morgan Drive Away in Elkhart. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend and Knights of Columbus #1878 in Mishawaka. For many years he was Santa Claus at K of C events. Jim had a life-long love of football and followed area high school football, especially Marian High School. He also enjoyed music, going to concerts and was a great dancer.

Jim is survived by his second wife, Marylee; three children, JoLee (Paul) Dorbin, Kristina (Linh) Nguyen, and Edward “Ted” Hartzer; five grandchildren, Nicklaus and Paige Dorbin, James and Tim Hartzer, and Katharine Nguyen; a sister, Sally (Chuck) Redman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides his first wife, Judy; he was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Hartzer; and sisters, Mary Margaret Lass, Barbara Walter, Patricia Keiser and Andrea Redman.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm on Wednesday, June 15, at Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm. Visitation is also one hour before Mass at Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, June 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill Street, South Bend. Jim will be laid to rest next to Judy at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Memorial donations are suggested to American Diabetes Association or Marian High School Football Program.